On September 11, 2024, Hurricane Francine struck Louisiana, causing widespread damage and devastation to many communities. In the wake of this natural disaster, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stepped in to provide much-needed support to low-income residents in eight affected parishes.
In a recent announcement, the USDA stated that residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes may be eligible for assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This program aims to provide crucial support to those who have been affected by disasters, such as Hurricane Francine, and are struggling to afford food for themselves and their families.
We understand that recovering from a disaster can be extremely difficult, both emotionally and financially. That is why we at the USDA are committed to providing a helping hand to those who need it most. Through the D-SNAP program, eligible residents will receive additional funds to purchase food and meet their basic nutritional needs. This support will not only help them in the short term but also aid in their long-term recovery.
The process for applying to D-SNAP is simple and streamlined, with the goal of getting assistance to those in need as quickly as possible. Eligible residents can apply at designated application sites in their parishes from September 27 to October 1. Our dedicated team of staff will be on-site to assist with the application process and answer any questions or concerns.
We want to stress that D-SNAP is not a permanent program, but rather a temporary aid designed to help those who have been adversely affected by Hurricane Francine get back on their feet. We encourage everyone in the affected parishes who may be eligible to apply for assistance, even if you have never received support from a government program before. Our priority is to ensure that no one goes hungry during this difficult time.
Moreover, we are continuously working with local partners and organizations to ensure that D-SNAP assistance is efficiently distributed to those in need. We are also in close communication with emergency management agencies to identify areas where our assistance can be of the most help. Through this collaborative effort, we are determined to provide support to as many residents as possible.
We also want to extend our gratitude to the countless volunteers and first responders who have tirelessly worked to support and assist those affected by Hurricane Francine. Your selfless dedication has not gone unnoticed, and we are honored to be working alongside you to aid in the recovery efforts.
At the USDA, we firmly believe that when people come together, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. We are committed to standing by the side of our fellow Americans in Louisiana during this difficult time and providing them with the assistance they need to rebuild and thrive. With the support of our government and local communities, we are confident that Louisiana will emerge from this disaster even stronger.
In conclusion, if you or someone you know is a resident of Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, or Terrebonne parish and has been affected by Hurricane Francine, please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance through the D-SNAP program. We are here to help in any way we can, and together, we can overcome this adversity. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Hurricane Francine, and we are committed to supporting you through this difficult time.
